DIRECTOR of Punja Group of Companies Rajesh Punja has been appointed the new Fiji Airways Group chairman.
Replacing former chairman Nalin Patel, Mr Punja was appointed yesterday following the company’s annual general meeting in Nadi where a new company director was also appointed.
The new director for Fiji Airways Group of Companies is Industry, Trade and Tourism permanent secretary Shaheen Ali, who replaces former Fiji Airways managing director Stefan Pichler.
In a statement, the national airline also announced the three remaining board directors Aslam Khan, Sharvada Sharma and Fiji Airways MD and CEO Andre Viljoen will continue their term.
Attorney General and Minister for Public Enterprises Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum thanked the outgoing directors for their service to the country’s airline.
“Mr Patel has been a director of Fiji Airways since 1993, and chairman since 2006. He has been part of the airline through some of the most challenging and rewarding transformations in its history, and we thank him for his dedication and commitment to this very important Fijian company,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“During his chairmanship, Fiji Airways has rebranded into a proud national carrier which operates profitably.
“With the support of the Bainimarama Government and now the FijiFirst Government, a number of legacy issues have been addressed, the whole fleet modernised, the working conditions of staff have greatly improved including profit sharing and the airline’s network and footprint has expanded.
“Mr Nalin Patel and former MD/CEO Stefan Pichler were both key in driving these changes.
“We owe them our gratitude.”
He said 2016 would be an important year for the airline.
“With the addition of new aircraft like the incoming A330-300 and new routes like Singapore from April, Fiji Airways will continue to grow.
“The revamped Board of Directors along with the shareholders will provide the airline’s management, under new MDCEO Andre Viljoen, all the support they need to ensure the airline provides returns to its shareholders, staff and the Fijian economy.”
